STATEN ISLAND, NY -- Chinar, a majestic maple-like tree known throughout Asia for its magnificence and royal touch, is a perfect name for a Middle Eastern/Russian restaurant located in South Beach. After all, the food is grand, the interior is splendid and patrons are given rather royal treatment.

From the outside, the restaurant is unassuming. Inside, it transforms into a cozy, comfortable space with semi-private, silk-upholstered booths, serene music and the sounds of trickling water from a fountain bubbling in the middle of the dining room. Tiled floor, tapestries on the walls, woven tablecloths and beautiful mosaic lighting add to the overall experience.

Each dish, whether appetizer or entrée, is presented beautifully and with pride. There is a huge selection of appetizers from which to choose. Some favorites included an assortment of cold salads with creamy hummus, smoky and delectable babaganoush, eggplant caviar and herbaceous chopped eggplant with crunchy nuts — divine. Savor the basket of warm pita served with the dish.

A hot appetizer of Mushroom Julienne was flavorful and packed with delicate slices of white mushrooms in brown sauce folded in a flaky homemade pancake. Dolma, grape leaves stuffed with ground lamb meat, could have used more stuffing and less chicken broth. A special of Green Borscht soup with pieces of chicken had vibrant dill flavor — truly a winner.

As with the appetizers, entrée portions are huge and perfect for sharing. A heavenly dish: Lamb Soyutma — three large shanks cooked in a sauce of tomato, onion and sour cream, served with rice pilaf.

A pair of Kebab dishes also proved exceptional. Chicken Kebab with thick, tender pieces of chicken roasted in a clay oven came with an exotic, spicy, ketchup-like sauce and grilled red and green bell peppers. The sumptuous Sea Bass Kebab — perfectly grilled pieces of tender, meaty Atlantic sea bass — was served in a white cream sauce that was worthy of the indulgence.

Two notable Pilaf-style dishes are Gourma Pilaf — chunks of delightful roast lamb served with dried fruits over moist rice — and the Shah Pilaf which featured roasted chicken pieces, dried cranberries and apricots over fragrant rice. These entrées were presented in a buttery pastry resembling a crown. The latter took 40 minutes to create; a worthwhile wait.

Chinar has a beautiful bar with seating for six and an extensive beer and wine list. Vinos are served by the bottle or by the glass.

Service is exceptional. Patient, helpful servers are eager to answer any questions about the menu and even make suggestions regarding what to order.

This is a place to gather with family during the week, friends on the weekend or for a romantic date any night of the week.

Another trait of the Chinar tree is its longevity. On those lines, we hope this fine establishment thrives and borough appetites fully appreciate what it has to offer.